Crusader honoured

By Bridget Brady
CASEY’S Senior Citizen of the Year is encouraging mature aged residents to dust off the cobwebs when it comes to preconceived opinions about health.
John Doutch, of Berwick, is helping senior citizens take more of a leading role in their health and wellbeing and was recognised for his contributions at Casey’s award ceremony on Australia Day.
Mr Doutch, who at 63 joked he was one of the younger senior citizens of the year winners, facilitates sessions with over 50s groups and speaks to them about things relative to their stage in life. They include things such as handling memory loss, managing health, depression, myths and stereotypes about ageing and how to age well.
Mr Doutch said many mature aged people held the same mindset about health issues as when they were younger.
Depression was something Mr Doutch said could still be swept under the carpet with senior citizens.
“When we were kids, depression was a no no. People considered it as a blot on society,” Mr Doutch said. “The treatment then and the treatment now is completely different.”
Mr Doutch said he spoke to people about how depression was now considered an illness, and no longer considered a weakness in somebody.
He also encourages mature aged people to ask their doctors questions, something they might not be used to, and take an active role in their health.
When someone enters retirement, Mr Doutch said it was important to understand what someone will go through mentally and spiritually.
The father of three has also established three men’s discussion groups in Casey, which take place in Narre Warren, Berwick and Cranbourne.